M-Series (M1, M3, M5, M6)General M-Series Discussion - If it does not fit into a more specific M Category above, please place it in here. In addition, previously archived M-Series discussion is located in this section.

I have a 98 bmw m3 convertible completely stock (just bought it). I was wondering if anyone knew any good cold air intakes for it. How much horsepower gain, cost, acceleration gain.... Also is there any way to fix cracked leather, it has 92,000 miles on it, or do i have to re-upholster

hello there. CAI are pretty much all the same, but if you want a good reputable name brand that looks sexy go with dinan , if dinan is a bit pricey check into carbonia....horsepower gains are minimal your pretty much buying a bit better throttle response and a very nice sound when accelerating, look to get around 4-5hp

as for cracked leather, nothing you can really do about it just keep it from getting worse , continue to use a good leather cleaner/conditioner, untill you decide what action to take next.

I put the AFE CAI on my 98 M3 and it sounds fantastic, along with the UUC Corsa Exhaust, JB Lightweight Flywheel, Upgraded Sachs Clutch, and engine remapping by BavAuto, the car is quite quicker. If you are only going to do the CAi do it for the sound, the hp gain by it alone isn't worth it.

Dinan intakes and knock off Dinan intakes are nice and true cold air intakes but they take there air from inside the bumper cover where the filter gets dirty and can pick up water. I have heard of several hydro locked engines due to Dinan and Dinan style intakes.

before buying the k&n kit that gives 8 hp according to K@N's dyno, i found a K@n air charger that is not CARB approved and not legal but produces 18 hp for around the same price. Would it be ok to put this in my stock 98 m3 with auto transmission? And also how would anyone know i had an illegal air intake would it really matter??

It depends where you live? If your in Cali like i am , then i would be better off getting something with a carb #, becuase you will need GOOD friends or be lucky that no one cares for visual inspection, to get you to pass smog. Other than that any other state youll be alright, New York is not as strict but they are strict enough.

Believe me, if you just pull up to a smog station and you dont know people, you may get by it or not. Its a case by case ordeal.But if you do get snagged with a dipshit, make shure you have proper carb #'s, or if the intake is not that bad of a problem, then just stick with the oem until you get smogged and then swap it out, youll be good for 2 years until the next one.

I get tired of swapping out down pipes on my other cars, and to make matters worst , the black car in my sig is bone stock, except for high flow cat. And it STILL wouldnt pass smog, but i had some good FRIENDS. So much for high flow cats huh?

i live in florida so i shouldnt have a problem. Man i really feel for u wit the car thing livin in cali. Sweet place otherwise, do u know if an aircharger intake is any different mechanically from a normal cold air intake??